Eshan Malinga Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Eshan Malinga is a Sri Lankan fast‑bowling all‑rounder who has played ODIs and T20Is since early 2025.

Born on 4 February 2001 in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, Eshan Malinga emerged from local school cricket to become a regular feature in the national side. He bowls right‑arm fast and contributes lower‑order runs, having featured in both limited‑overs formats for Sri Lanka and in franchise competitions across the world.

Malinga’s international record includes 13 ODIs with 12 wickets at an average of 48.67 and 17 T20Is yielding 16 wickets at 32.88. In the Indian Premier League he has taken 33 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighted by a best spell of 4 for 32.

Eshan Malinga: quick facts

Born: 4 February 2001
Team: Sri Lanka

Eshan Malinga career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate
ODIs	13	10	31	14	4.43	36.47
T20Is	17	9	19	13*	9.50	90.48
IPL	22	3	7	5	7.00	41.18

Bowling

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best	Average	Economy
ODIs	13	12	4/46	48.67	6.57
T20Is	17	16	2/24	32.88	9.83
IPL	22	33	4/32	22.58	9.20

Figures as of 10 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Eshan Malinga’s early life

Eshan Malinga grew up in the town of Ratnapura where he attended Sivali Central College. His schooling years saw him develop a keen interest in cricket, representing his college in various age‑group tournaments and honing his fast‑bowling skills on local pitches.

During his teenage years Malinga progressed through school‑level competitions, earning recognition for his pace and accuracy. These performances paved the way for his entry into domestic cricket, where he would soon make his debut for a prominent first‑class side.

Eshan Malinga’s domestic career

Malinga entered the senior domestic circuit with Ragama Cricket Club, making his List A debut on 5 July 2022 in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament. He followed this with a Twenty20 debut on 25 May 2022 during the Major Clubs T20 Tournament, and later appeared in first‑class cricket on 2 September 2022 in the Major League Tournament.

Across his domestic outings he displayed consistent wicket‑taking ability, which attracted the attention of franchise scouts. His performances in Sri Lanka’s domestic leagues laid the foundation for selection in the national side and later opportunities in overseas T20 competitions.

Eshan Malinga’s international career

Malinga’s One Day International debut came against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve, Wellington on 5 January 2025. Over 13 matches he has accumulated 31 runs from ten innings, with a highest score of 14, while claiming 12 wickets at an average of 48.67; his most effective figures are 4 for 46, achieved against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 18 October 2026.

In the Twenty20 International arena he first appeared versus Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 20 November 2025. To date he has featured in 17 matches, scoring 19 runs with a top score of 13 not out, and securing 16 wickets at an average of 32.88; his best spell is 2 for 24. Recent outings in October 2026 added five T20I wickets (best 2/33) and six ODI wickets (best 4/46).

Eshan Malinga’s franchise and league career

The 2025 IPL auction saw Malinga bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹1.20 crore, four times his base price. He made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal on 12 April 2025, finishing the season with 13 wickets from seven matches. Retained for the 2026 edition at the same price, he improved his haul to 20 wickets in 15 games, ranking sixth among tournament bowlers.

In the Lanka Premier League, Malinga joined Galle Gallants as the designated Local Star Player in May 2026. He emerged as the leading wicket‑taker for the season, claiming 17 dismissals, including a decisive three‑wicket spell in the final that helped his side secure their first LPL championship.

Eshan Malinga’s records and achievements

Malinga’s most notable bowling performances include a 4 for 32 spell in the IPL against Delhi Capitals at Uppal on 21 April 2026, and a 4 for 46 effort in ODIs versus Pakistan at Rawalpindi on 18 October 2026. In the IPL he also recorded figures of 3 for 29 against Chennai Super Kings (18 April 2026) and 3 for 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (25 May 2025).

Across formats he has amassed 33 IPL wickets at an average of 22.58, 12 ODI wickets at 48.67 and 16 T20I scalps at 32.88. His early career highlights feature being the top wicket‑taker in the 2026 LPL season and ranking among the top six bowlers in the 2026 IPL competition.

Eshan Malinga’s personal life

Outside cricket, Malinga’s education was completed at Sivali Central College in his hometown of Ratnapura. He remains connected to his roots, often crediting his early coaches and family for supporting his journey from school grounds to the international arena.

While his professional commitments keep him travelling extensively, Malinga maintains a low public profile, focusing on his development as a bowler and contributing to team successes both domestically and abroad.

Eshan Malinga: frequently asked questions

When was Eshan Malinga born?

Eshan Malinga was born on 4 February 2001.

Which teams has Eshan Malinga played for?

Eshan Malinga plays international cricket for Sri Lanka.

Which IPL team does Eshan Malinga play for?

Eshan Malinga’s IPL teams include Sunrisers Hyderabad.

When did Eshan Malinga make an international debut?

Eshan Malinga made an ODI debut against New Zealand at Basin Reserve, Wellington on 5 January 2025. Eshan Malinga made a T20I debut against Zimbabwe at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 20 November 2025.